The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-03-02
MME. SARA BERiHARDT,
En- ROUTE FROM THE CITY OF
MEXICO,
Has Something to Say Of Herself
and Her Plans and Her
Contemporaries.

On route IfOm mexico ana was inter
viewed by Constitution reporter with
the following result:
"Entrez," SPOKE a voice in liquid
tones.
In moment the reporter was in
the luxurious apartment, in thu pres.
ence OF the greatest actress that has
adorned the stage since the death Of
Rachel.
But, amusement all, what met
the reporters gsze?
He had expected to see an atten-
mated, transparent piece of serpentine
anatomy, with shrunken cheeks and
leering eyes. Not 30. Rising from
her cushion with graceful bound,
there was before him woman Of
we'll rounded proportions, with a pure
oval face, flushed with the faintest
rose tint, ind cative Of perfect health.
A mass of light brown hair fell over
her low brow aud put into shadow
those wondrous eyes which monRrchs
have raved about, yet which no pen
can ever justly describe, eyes of steel
cold and glittering one moment,
but in another brown and soft as vel
vet.
"Entrez," che repeated, and on be.
ing introduced, the dazzling actress
caught the reporters hand with cor.
dial grasp, end, pushing aside her
cushions, she exclaimed: ~ am 60
glad to zee you. Sit down here-right
here" The reporter immedtately COM
piled with the pleasant order, and was
soon at ease because Of the gracious
reception accorded him.
"Parlez vous Francaiser 7" inquired
she eagerly.
With feelings of regret the inter-
viewer confessed his inability to do 80.
"Ah, monsieur, speak 50 very lit.
tie English, you will not comprehend
me. All, please try and speak a little
French. Try just vone leetle," and
she leant near the reporter, as look
Of childish intensity lighted her face.
The reporter mentally ran through
all the French he ever learned, and
began to blurt out something.
A smile crept over the face of Sara
as she exclaimed: "Ah, what lam
gusge do you speak dat never hear
before?"
Madam" said the reporter, shat
is all the French / know. Suppose
we adhere to English. I think we
will both understand each other bet
ter"
"Ah, yes; think 80, too, because
oar French do not be alike"
Then che proceeded to talk with
vivscious abandon that was captivat-
ing. She stated that she and her COM
paDy were on their way to Washing
ton City, where they will begin an en-
gagement of one week Tuesday night.
She will appear in her faVorite play,
Camille. she has just come from tbs
City of Mexico, where her triumphs
were brilliant. She speaks in glowing
terms OF the Mexican capital. Before
appearing there she played in South
American cities and scored the great.
est successes OF her life. The company
did not play in New Orleans and will
not play anywhere in the South this
season. After filling the engagement
in WASHINGTON City the company will
go to New York, then to Boston and
Philadelphia.
"Oh, yes, remember Atlanta"
said Madame Bernhard, in reply to
the reporters question, 81 was re-
ceived here so very kindly. I should
like to play for you ali sgain, but
cannot stay now, We go away in a
few minutes, my manager tells me-"
"WhGt do you prefer playing-what
is your chef douwei"
"Ahi Camille and Fedora l like
best"
SIS there any other woman on the
stage who can play Gambler"
mo ore but Modjeska; ali she is
the greatest of all actresses. There are
many fair actresses now. Many who
are eminent, each noted for some par.
ticuisr merit, but few are great. There
are not halt dozen great actresses
living. Ellen Terry is wonderful
she is the only Margaret of today.
She is realistic, she is powerful"
"What do you think of Clara Nor
risH"
"She possesses rare genius. She is
emotional, and what is greatest in her,
she has overcome all defects of ap-
pearance, all obstacles in her way,
which were neither few or trivial. She
proved that che had true ability by
surmounting them all. Ahp she said
with shudder, at pains me to see
the stage brought down 30 low as to
be platform for the display of besuti-
full figures and faces, pleas ant manners
and gentle voice. hate to tee these
passive beauties, in extravagant tot
lettes, parading aud passing as
actresses. Genius in a dress of hemp |
and bsgglng am willing to bow to,
but professional beauties, pretending |
to make traffic of their charms at the |
expense of the drama, abhor."
"You refer to the Lsngtryf"
81 did not say 3d." she answered,
collecting up some scattered rose
leaves that had fallen around her.
EYES," she continued, "the public
seems to like the glitter, the sparkle,
the nonsense OF such things. They are
the curse OF the etsge."
"Then you think the stage Of today
has retrogrsdedP'
"Most assuredly it has. There are
no longer any Eurlpidean theaters, it
is a hosiery stage-no longer the noble
inheritance OF dramatic art. It is
abominsble and corroding to true
art"
"What do you think of salvinif"
"Salvini is by far, according to my
impression, greatest among living
actors. He has solid grandeur; and /
like Booth. They try hard to keep up
the legitimate drama"
"Wbat do you think OF Fanny
Davenport
"She is friend of mine and l like
her 60 much. have just heard that
she is here; that she will appear to-
morrow night in Fedora. On, how l
should like to see her. 1 have never
seen any great actress in this play,
and it is go powerful. Next to Camille
/ like IL more than all others"
What 10 your opinion Of RheRT
"She 10 no actress at all. Sheis arti-
Acisl and stacy"
"Do you ever paint nowW
II have no opportunity while travel
ing, but / expect to apply myself to
art when 60 to New York and Bos-
ton. am so fond Of it."
During the above conversation, Mr..